Bauchi State Government has reacted to news report on social media credited to the Senator Shehu Buba representing Bauchi South recently on the alleged killing of a Charcoal seller in Zaranda Village, Toro LGA of Bauchi State.
Speaking during a press conference on the matter, the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu, described the Senator’s statement as “baseless, inflammatory, divisive, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the State Government and its security agencies
“The Senator’s reckless allegations are unacceptable and have the potential to compromise the State’s security, undermine the efforts of law enforcement agencies, and create unnecessary tension among the citizens”, Bununu said.
The State Commissioner explained that the Government takes the security and well-being of its citizens seriously and will not tolerate any individual or group spreading false information or making baseless allegations that threaten the peace and stability of the state.
“The Bauchi State Government is committed to ensuring justice and accountability for the Zaranda killings and has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident,” Bununu reassured.
He urged the Senator to retract his statement and apologize to the people of Bauchi State for his utterances, which he described as.hasty and misleading comments.
“The Senator’s actions are a clear example of politicizing security issues, which is unacceptable and detrimental to the well-being of our citizens,” he added.
The Commissioner also called on security agencies to invite Senator Shehu Buba Umar for clarifications on his statement, adding that as a public figure, he should be objective and responsible in his utterances.
Krestnews recalls that Senator Buba had alleged that the September 10, 2024 shooting, which killed a charcoal seller and left two others fatally injured, was carried out by a militia group led by one Umar Shayi, describing the incident as extra judicial killing.
The Senator during a condolence visit had assured the bereaved family that he would go to any length to ensure that the deceased and those injured get justice.
The Krestnews reports that the incident led to protests by members of the Zaranda community who barricaded the Bauchi–Jos Federal Highway, disrupting the free flow of movement last week.
The charcoal sellers according to sources were reportedly attacked by hunters for refusing to ‘settle’ them as they tried to ferry their charcoal from the bush to the village.
Follow Krestnews on www.krestnews.com. We are also on Facebook, Telegram and Telegram channel